In the intense heat of the African sun, a herd of elephants at Etosha National Park in Namibia demonstrated their unique way of staying cool—coating themselves in thick layers of mud and dust. This practice, akin to applying sunscreen, is a vital part of their daily routine.

With high temperatures and limited rainfall, the elephants wasted no time leaving the waterhole where they had spent their morning bathing and drinking.

They then covered their skin with a protective layer of mud and dust. This natural coating not only regulates their body temperature but also helps ward off parasites.

Photographer Peter Delaney, originally from Avoca, County Wicklow, Ireland, observed and documented this fascinating behavior.

“I wanted to create images that are unique and capture the essence of my subject,” said the 47-year-old. After a challenging week of waiting for the ideal conditions, he finally succeeded on his last day.

Delaney’s favorite moment was capturing a four-meter-tall, four-ton elephant lifting its trunk filled with Kalahari dust and spraying it in one smooth motion across its forehead.

Etosha National Park’s vast grasslands, typically a slight red hue, appeared pale yellow due to the lack of seasonal rain.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, ostriches, antelope, and lions, all adapting to the challenging environment.

This daily ritual of dust bathing highlights the elephants’ resourcefulness in navigating the harsh African climate while showcasing their enduring grace and resilience.